Hagerty Launched RADwood Build Challenge Series
Three builders have begun customizing 1980s and 1990s vehicles in a new YouTube competition series.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Car Culture
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Hagerty has debuted its RADwood Build Challenge YouTube series, which follows three builders as they modify vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s. The competition culminates in a fan-voted event held at RADwood NorCal.
Why it matters
The series promotes automotive restoration and community engagement, with the winning builder securing a significant donation for their chosen charity. This initiative highlights the growing popularity of retro vehicle customization within the hobbyist community.
The winning builder will secure a $50,000 donation for a charity of their choice, selecting from Folds of Honor, the RPM Foundation, or McPherson College. Participants are customizing a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo, a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually, and a 1996 Honda Accord Si-R.
The players
Hagerty
This company is an automotive lifestyle brand that specializes in insurance, media, and events for classic and enthusiast vehicle owners.
Mike Burroughs
He is a prominent automotive builder who is customizing a 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo for this competition.
Vin Anatra
He is an automotive builder currently working on a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado Dually for the series.
Larry Chen
He is a well-known automotive photographer and builder who is customizing a 1996 Honda Accord Si-R.
The details
Viewers follow the transformation process through episodes currently available on YouTube. The final winner will be determined by attendee votes cast during the live event in Northern California.
Timeline
The series made its debut on September 29, 2026.
The finale is scheduled for October 24, 2026.
Roadmap
This competition reflects the broader industry trend of celebrating 1980s and 1990s vehicles, which have seen a surge in value and enthusiast interest. It positions these classic platforms as viable subjects for modern engineering and aesthetic customization.
Fans in California can attend the final event on October 24 to participate in the voting process that determines the winner. Those interested in attending can find registration details on the event website.
The takeaway
Enthusiasts looking to get involved in the classic car scene can follow the YouTube series to see how professional builders approach platform modification. This series serves as both entertainment and a practical guide for those looking to customize their own modern classic vehicles.
Further reading
Learn more about local automotive events in our Car Culture section.
More information
You can find more details or register for the event on the RADwood NorCal registration page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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